Carver Elementary
Family Engagement Edition December 2023
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The students have been working hard this year and recess is an important part of their day. Please remember to send your children in with layered warm winter clothing so that they can go out for recess. We try to get them out even on cold days. The fresh air does wonders and helps the students to re-focus when they get back into class. On days that your student does not have warm gear for recess, they will likely go to the office and read/do school work instead. We also ask that you help us by having a conversation with your child about the importance of wearing their winter gear during recess. If your child has sensory needs and an alternative plan to wearing winter gear is warranted, please contact your child's teacher to discuss.
Sincerely,
Ruby C. Maestas
From our Carver Elementary family to yours, may you
have a wonderful holiday! We will see the students back on January 2!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Friday, 12/22/23 Early Release Day, 11:45 am dismissal
Monday, 12/25/23 through Monday, 1/1/24 Holiday Recess
Tuesday, 1/2/24 School Reopens
Friday, 1/12/24 Early Release Day, 11:45 am dismissal
Monday, 1/15/24 No School, Martin Luther King Day
MCAS SCHEDULE - SPRING 2024
Grade 3: English Language Arts, April 23 and April 24
Math: May 15 and May 16
Grade 4: English Language Arts, April 10 and April 11
Math: May 13 and May 14
Grade 5: English Language Arts, April 8 and April 9
STE: May 9 and May 10
Math: May 16 and May 17
Important School Attendance Information
Your child’s school attendance matters, and we want them here with us everyday! Our teachers are working diligently to create warm, welcoming environments and build positive relationships so that your child wants and feels a sense of belonging at CES. When positive conditions for learning are in place, students are more motivated to attend and engage in learning. This year’s slogan is Every Student Present! Bright futures begin with good school attendance.
We will continue to provide regular communication regarding attendance that may be helpful to you.
Bonus Block for Students
Students in grades K-5 have a bonus block that has been added to the schedule this year at CES. Once every six days, students engage in a variety of activities that help to support and increase their social/emotional learning skills. Students are demonstrating growth in self-regulation, relationship building and self-management skills. See below for pictures of this exciting learning time.
Social Emotional Learning
The holidays can be exciting and yet stressful for not only parents and caregivers, but for our children as well. Here are some helpful tips to make the holidays more manageable and reduce stress for everyone.
1. Be open to change.Talk with your kids about your traditions — which ones they love and which you might evolve to make them more fun or memorable for everyone. This is especially important when family dynamics have changed because of divorce, a new marriage or sibling, or a death in the family.
2. Be realistic.Factoring in kids’ limitations when you make plans will reduce stress on everyone. Kids who are anxious about meeting new people — or even encountering the extended family — will need support and realistic expectations. Kids who have trouble with organization will need help to succeed at gift-giving. Children who tend to be impulsive need structure to minimize disruptive behavior. Not overestimating your kids’ patience and ability to focus will help you enjoy yourself more, too.
3. Prep kids for changes in routine. Holidays represent a change in a family’s normal schedule, and for some kids that’s unsettling. Preparing them for changes in their routines — what to expect and what you expect of them—will help head off meltdowns. If you’re traveling, bring familiar toys and books, and make sure you have quiet one-on-one time like reading before bed.
4. Give yourself a break. Don’t stretch yourself too thin trying to create the “perfect” holiday season. Decide what is important, prioritize, and say “no” to what you can’t handle.
5. Be sure to laugh. Kids pick up their parents’ stress and tension, so they’re more likely to be irritable if you are. Have a sense of humor, enjoy your kids for who they are, and keep in mind that what you’ll all remember when it’s over is likely to be the unexpected moment when everybody was relaxed, not the brilliantly choreographed party, dinner, or outing. See the link below for additional information from ChildMind resources.
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-take-the-stress-out-of-the-holidays/
STUDENT ABSENCES
In the event that your student will be absent, please notify us by sending an email to: cesabsent@carver.org as well as the teacher. Thank you.
PICK UP PATROL
Important Reminder to all Families:
Pick Up Patrol is the program we use for all student dismissals, end of day pick up and car rider information. It is imperative that you add the information to this website every time your child will dismissed or has an afterschool activity. Log on to: pickuppatrol.net
Our school app has sunset.
We now use ClassTag and Aspen for school to home communication. It may help to delete the app from phones to avoid any confusion.
Students were greeted one morning by Chorus members singing holiday classics.
WINTER CONCERT
GRINCH DAY IN KINDERGARTEN
WINTER WONDERLAND
'TWAS THE NIGHT GRADE 1 PERFORMANCE
VIRTUAL "HIKING"
Miss Simmons and Mrs. Swanton's classes are currently virtually "hiking" the Appalachian Trail. They went on a "hiking" field trip on the school trail to the fire department to simulate a hike up Clingman's Dome in North Carolina. This is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail which is a 2,200-mile continuous footpath. It goes from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
CRUSADERS GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL
The Crusaders were welcomed at CES on Wednesday, 11/29/23. Students at CES made signs and cheered as they paraded around the building.
BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL
Please continue to send your students to school with a refillable water bottle. Please refrain from sending in prime or caffeinated drinks.
FAN DAYS
We are trying something new this year, Fan Days. Wear your favorite sports team t-shirt or gear. Whether your child is a fan of the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, Crusaders, the list goes on...we aim to make fan days easier for the kids to join in.
Here are the fan days for the school year:
January 18
February 28
March 28
April 10
May 9
HYDROPONIC GARDENS
Grade 5 has been growing a variety of lettuce in the hydroponic systems. The first crop was donated to schools in Boston and even more for the teachers. Our next crop is more lettuce and some basil for the students to take home when ready. We are going to try cherry tomatoes this winter. Students help with planting, watering, monitoring pH levels, and adding nutrients to the pods.
Every Friday is COYOTE Spirit Day
Students and staff all join together by wearing Coyote spirit gear or Coyote colors gray, maroon and white.
School Meals are Free for everyone this school year!
Year at a Glance
FACULTY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
MRS. KALIANIOTIS
This is my 12th year teaching kindergarten at Carver Elementary School. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, even when I was young. I have always enjoyed helping all children reach their potential and building lasting relationships with families. I am grateful for all the experiences I have attained and the impact that students and families have made and continue to make in my life.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two sons, Grant and Jack. On the weekends, you will find me cheering on my boys at the hockey rink and swim lessons or spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy walking, cooking, relaxing at the beach, and organizing!
STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH
MS. SHERWOOD
I am currently getting ready to start grad school in January to pursue my goal of becoming a counselor. It was only a year ago that I earned my BA in human services which was a major accomplishment for me! I am motivated and inspired every day by my students, coworkers, and family.
As for my favorite things I love to read and spend time with my boyfriend, friends and family. I always try to live by “focus on the good.”